


In contrast, defensive biological research for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes is not prohibited by the BWC. Therefore, the use of biological agents in armed conflict is a war crime. In particular, the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) bans the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological weapons. Offensive biological warfare is prohibited under customary international humanitarian law and several international treaties. Entomological (insect) warfare is a subtype of biological warfare. viruses, which are not universally considered "alive"). Biological weapons (often termed "bio-weapons", "biological threat agents", or "bio-agents") are living organisms or replicating entities ( i.e. Biological warfare, also known as germ warfare, is the use of biological toxins or infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, insects, and fungi with the intent to kill, harm or incapacitate humans, animals or plants as an act of war.
